By now, if you’ve been keeping up with ONLY, you know that we talk a lot about plastic. Can you blame us? There is so much plastic in our oceans that it is estimated by 2050, our oceans will contain more plastic than fish.
Not only is this destructive to aquatic life because it destroys their habitats, but it also puts them at an extremely high risk for consumption. Over time, plastics break down into microscopic pieces (called microplastics) that fish ingest, which exposes them, and the entire ocean food chain, to harmful chemicals and contaminants.
Even if you don’t live sea-side, reducing our plastic consumption and waste will also minimize the amount of plastics filling up our landfills. In the same way that microplastics infiltrate the oceans, they also seep into our soils and waterways.
This impacts the animals and plants that we consume, the gardens that we grow, and our environment. We are still exposed directly to chemicals and toxins that plastic contains. So, how do we fix it?!
While there is no singular solution to all of the earth’s complex problems, one sure-fire way to reduce plastic waste is to reduce plastic consumption. Here are some digestible dupes that you can replace in your daily life that Mother Nature will thank you for!
Beeswax Wraps VS Plastic Baggies
Sometimes plastic bags are just a reflex, but bees. Beeswax wraps are wax-infused cloths that can serve every purpose that a plastic sandwich baggie can. They require a bit of upkeep, but it is so worth it. They’re reusable, mouldable, freezeable, and can be used to wrap individual food items, or seal an open bowl. Bonus: you can definitely source them locally!
Instagram via @naturebeewraps
Unsplash via @perpoto
Wooden Toothbrushes VS Plastic Toothbrushes
Say it with us: Compostable. Toothbrush. Cool, right?! All-natural bamboo toothbrushes give the same quality of clean as the plastic toothbrush from your dentist. They even last longer too!
Unsplash via @groblechnersara
Unsplash via @boredphotographer
Reusable VS Grocery Store Produce Bags
Most of us have made the transition from plastic grocery bags to reusable ones, even though you sometimes forget them and have to go back out to the car - we’ve all been there! But what about the small, thin bags used to bag your produce? Doesn’t it seem silly to load up your reusable grocery bags with plastic bags that you were avoiding in the first place? Good news though, reusable and eco-friendly mesh produce bags are here to solve that problem.
Unsplash via @markusspiske
Unsplash via @dmitrybayer
Conditioner Bar VS Bottle
Ladies, it is an unwritten rule that we don’t step out of the shower without conditioning our hair. If you are looking to purchase some beauty products, we challenge you to try something new! A conditioner bar works the same way as a bar of soap and reduces the amount of plastic bottles we consume - lather up!
Unsplash via @anniespratt
via Shutterstock
Get Only Tampons VS Drug Store Tampons
Typical drug store tampons come in plastic packaging and have plastic applicators that just go straight into the garbage. At Only, we promise you 100% natural, organic and biodegradable feminine hygiene products without the use of any and all plastics. Reducing your plastic consumption can be this easy.
via National Geographic
